Ford’s Latest Recall Affects Over 100,000 SUVs—Here’s What Went Wrong
A hidden seatbelt flaw may keep passengers from being properly secured during a crash.
Ford is recalling more than 105,000 SUVs to fix a potentially dangerous defect involving seatbelt pretensioners, a critical safety component designed to protect passengers during a crash. The recall affects certain 2018 to 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models, and it’s part of a growing pattern of safety-focused recalls in the auto industry.
Why the Recall Is Happening
Seatbelt pretensioners are designed to snap into action during a collision, tightening the seatbelt to reduce movement and help protect people inside the vehicle. But in this case, Ford found that some of these pretensioners may randomly lock up—even when there’s no crash happening.
When that happens, the seatbelt might not retract or extend properly. That can mean drivers or passengers aren’t fully secured, which increases the risk of injury if an accident does occur.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this kind of malfunction poses a real safety concern. A seatbelt that doesn’t work as intended could fail to keep someone safe in the critical moments during a crash.
What Ford Is Doing About It
Ford isn’t wasting time. The company has put together a plan to inspect and, if needed, replace the faulty parts. Dealers will examine the retractor date codes on the affected seatbelt components and replace anything that falls within the defect window.
Owners of affected vehicles should expect direct communication from Ford in the coming weeks. The company is urging drivers to reach out to their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to schedule an inspection. The good news: All repairs related to this recall will be done at no cost to the vehicle owner.
How This Fits into the Bigger Picture
This recall is just the latest in a string of safety-related actions across the auto industry. As vehicles become more complex, automakers face increasing pressure to catch and fix issues quickly—before they lead to injuries or fatalities.
Regulatory agencies like the NHTSA are keeping a close eye on manufacturers, and they’re pushing for faster responses when problems come to light. For companies like Ford, it’s a reminder that strong quality control and early detection of defects aren’t just good business—they’re essential to keeping people safe.
What SUV Owners Should Do Now
If you own a 2018–2020 Ford Expedition or Lincoln Navigator, check your mail or email for a recall notice. You can also plug your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) into the NHTSA’s recall database or Ford’s website to see if your vehicle is part of the recall.
Don’t wait—if your SUV is affected, get it checked and fixed as soon as possible. It’s a simple step that could make a big difference in a critical moment.
Use this link –> to enter your VIN, and Ford will let you know if your vehicle is impacted.
Bottom line: Ford’s recall is a precaution that could save lives. Seatbelt pretensioners may not be the flashiest feature in your SUV, but when it comes to safety, they’re one of the most important.